Tooth whitening

Posted in:
Dentistry,
by thecourtyardclinic,
on 24th May 2010 | Comments Off on Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening is also known as tooth bleaching. It is all about improving and revitalising the smile.

Coffee, tea, smoking and other eating habits discolour teeth, making them darker.

Whitening highlights the teeth and reveals a much-desired smile.

It also boosts a person’s confidence.

Depending on the original colour and shade, tooth whitening will give different results.

Some aspects to consider before whitening:

All tooth cavities should be treated before the procedure. If not treated, decayed teeth can get worse after the procedure.

Note that old fillings and crowns do not change colour. Make sure you discuss that with your dentist and whether these could be changed after you have reached a satisfactory whitening result to match the whitened teeth.

Tooth whitening can increase the sensitivity of your teeth for a short period of time…. from several hours to several days…but it can be avoided if proper advice is given prior to the start of tooth whitening..

Depending on a person’s life style, the whitening effect can last for several months to a couple of years. Smoking, coffee and tea will discolour teeth quicker.

Some teeth will not whiten and the best way of improving the smile would be crowning or veneering the teeth. This applies especially to teeth that have already been filled or for teeth that are internally discoloured.

Whitening is not recommended for pregnant women although no evidence of harm has been investigated or shown.

How is tooth whitening done?

Nowadays there are many products on the market for teeth whitening.

The safest way is to have the whitening done under the supervision of a dental professional.

There is chair side (in office whitening) and at home whitening.

These two procedures can be monitored and evaluated by your dentist. It is important to stop the procedure immediately if side effects occur such as extreme sensitivity or gum soreness.

Chair side whitening

Chair side whitening is done by your dentist and usually takes one treatment session. The gums are protected and the whitening gel is applied to the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a high-density light to activate and speed up the whitening reaction. The patient will be able to see the results immediately.

Home whitening

Home whitening has become very popular among patients.

You can have home whitening done with the help of your dentist by ordering a custom- made home whitening kit.

This type of whitening may take up to two to six weeks weeks for the whitening to take effect and to reach a desired result.

Home whitening with your dentist’s help: Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth. The impression is then sent to a dental technician who makes custom made trays to fit your teeth perfectly.At your next visit, you collect the trays and receive the necessary advice on how to use the whitening material provided by your dentist.

As explained before, it is recommended to have your teeth examined by a dentist before you decide to use a home whitening kit.

Is whitening safe?

Whitening has been proven to be safe if used in moderation.

The high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide cleans the stains from the outer surface of the enamel.

Remember: Despite being more expensive, having your teeth whitened professionally is always the safest way to do it.

Whitening is not the only way of enhancing your smile. Teeth straightening or crowns and veneers can sometimes provide a good solution.

Good luck with your new smile!

It is one of the first things we notice when we meet someone for the first time, so it’s worth paying as much attention to your smile as you do to other aspects of your appearance.

We are an experienced dental team and are proud to deliver excellence, innovation and results that are second to none, using state of the art techniques in a practice dedicated to your comfort, wellbeing and most importantly, your smile.